Discerning God’s Call with Conversation and Faith
By Grady D. King, D. Min
In part one, published on April 6th, we talked about identity, calling, and relationships. We affirmed that small churches matter—they are not irrelevant and the story they tell matters. It’s important that a willingness to explore God’s call be a central part of their practice.
How should a small church practice both focus and faith in their discernment of that call? The work is discerning what God is calling you to, from, for, and with whom. This is doable with faith, resilience, and hope—and it happens through meaningful conversations within the church. The question is not whether or not God is calling, but how to recognize it with clarity and courage. Limited resources or changing communities may create uncertainty, but throughout Scripture God works through small, faithful communities. The issue is not size, but alignment. These conversations require intentional time together—not merely sitting in pews listening to presentations. Here are some key principles to consider:
1. Begin with Presence Before Strategy
Before a church asks, “What should we do?” it must ask, “Where is God already at work among us?” Calling is discerned. This begins with prayer that is patient, honest, and communal. Not rushed meetings, but intentional listening. Encourage the congregation to pray not just for growth, but for clarity.
2. Pay Attention to Your Actual Story
Small churches sometimes overlook their own history, assuming it is behind them. But your past is often a map of your calling. What has this church done well over time? Hospitality? Teaching? Caring for the vulnerable? Intergenerational relationships?
3. Listen to Your Community, Not Just Your Congregation
A common mistake is to define calling inwardly. But God’s mission is outward facing. Walk your neighborhood. Talk to local leaders, school staff, and business owners. Ask simple questions: “What are the biggest needs here?” “Where do people struggle?” “What’s missing?” Again, a small church has a unique advantage—it can be nimble, relational, and deeply present in ways larger churches sometimes cannot.
4. Clarify a Few Priorities, Not Many
Trying to do too much with too little becomes a weakness. Calling needs focus. Instead of many initiatives, name two or three clear priorities that align with your discernment. This may mean stopping or sacrificing a “sacred cow” program that a person began but is ineffective. Do not try to imitate other churches. You have a unique story and context.
5. Equip People, Don’t Just Fill Roles
It’s easy to rely on a few faithful volunteers. But calling is communal, not concentrated. Ask: What gifts are present in our congregation? Who has a heart for prayer? Who connects easily with others? Who has practical skills? Then create simple pathways for people to use those gifts. It is not complex, but intentional encouragement and permission. Clarity creates energy. When people know what matters most, they engage more deeply.
6. Take Small, Faithful Steps
Discerning calling does not mean waiting for perfect certainty. Often, clarity comes through action. Try something small. Pilot a ministry. Partner with a local organization who reflects godly values—it is about relationships. Then do reflection. Did it align with our sense of calling? What did we learn? There is no learning without reflection.
7. Measure Fruit Differently
A small church can feel discouraged if it measures success only by attendance or budget. But Scripture emphasizes different metrics: love, faithfulness, transformation, and sharing faith with others. Is your church becoming more prayerful? More generous? More engaged with neighbors? These are signs of a church living in its calling.
Be certain of this: God has not overlooked your church. Discernment takes work! Your life in Christ and ministry you do carries eternal weight. It is good to remember that the majority of churches in the New Testament were small. They were dependent on the Holy Spirit for sharing Jesus and being church in specific communities. You are too! Take this message to heart from Paul.
“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
2 Corinthians 4.1-2 (NIV)
Want to Know More? I enjoy helping leaders and churches get on mission. Contact me if you would like a conversation tool to adapt and use in your church. I will listen and pray. The discernment process has been used in churches of less than 50 and over 200+. I am a product of a small church who invested in my faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ.
Grady D. King, D. Min
grady@hopenetworkministries.org
Dr. Grady D. King serves as President of HOPE Network (HN). His ministry life spans fifty years with forty years in congregational ministry in Churches of Christ in Oklahoma and Texas. While with HN he served six years as director of church resources at Oklahoma Christian. His formal education includes degrees from Oklahoma Christian University (Bachelor of Science in Education); Abilene Christian University (Master of Science and Doctor of Ministry). His ministry passion is healthy leaders, healthy churches rooted in the gospel and missional life. He and his wife, Karen live in Irving, TX, and are members of the Mansfield Church of Christ. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.